The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has come out strongly against the violence in Afghanistan.
A joint statement, which meant Pakistan was also on board, by the SCO Contact Group on Afghanistan besides condemning the violence, also noted that the activity of international terrorist organisations remained a key factor of instability in that country.
The SCO was also deeply concerned by the growing tension in Afghanistan’s Northern Provinces caused by the increased concentration of various terrorist, separatist and extremist groups. Many Central Asian countries share borders with northern Afghanistan and are fearful of violence and radicalism spilling over the borders.
Besides condemning the ongoing violence and terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, the SCO also spoke up for its victims, mostly civilians and representatives of State authorities, and called for its early cessation.
“We consider it important to step up joint efforts by SCO Member States to counter terrorism, separatism and extremism. We urge all parties involved in the conflict in Afghanistan to refrain from the use of force and actions that could lead to destabilisation and unpredictable consequences in areas along Afghanistan’s borders with SCO Member States,” said the joint statement.